7 Reasons Deck Cadets and Junior Engineers are Not Getting Jobs

The recent financial crises have affected everyone in the maritime industry. Jobs are scarce, though every day you might hear in the news that some top-notch company took in five new ships or increased its pool of employees. Strange it might seem to be, the fact remains that the grey clouds of unemployment are still not completely off the marine market place. The top rank professionals will swim smoothly, as they have always; however, those at the bottom has and will have to bear the brunt.

Talk to a freshly graduated junior engineer or deck cadet and I bet the only thing you would hear about is getting a decent break (or even on any damn shitty ship would also do). They want jobs badly, I mean really bad! And why would they not? There are many who have taken loans for their maritime training and even have mortgages to clear off. In fact, that is what every one of us would do once we pass out of college. Look for jobs! Right?

Unfortunately, the “situation of crises” has become a breeding ground for job agents and fraud shipping companies to do a profitable business. They are charging $2000-$3000 dollars in return for a break; not to mention, one cannot expect it to be in some hot-shot company.

seafarer alone
Representation Image – Photograph by Angelbert Dungog

Sadly, these fresh graduates have started to succumb to the situation, and have even started considering shelling out the “asked price”. Result? Some have already received the much-desired break, some are looking for sources to finance them, and some have fallen prey to fraud agents and shipping companies, who have taken the money and disappeared into thin air.

It’s a grim situation out there, where no one knows what to do and whom to blame. So, as the blaming-game continues, we try to pen down seven important points that we believe have been the real reason for the present dilemma.

1. Supply & Demand Imbalance

It might sound cliché, but the fact remains that the lack of equilibrium between the supply and demand of fresh professionals in the marine industry is the main reason behind the dearth of jobs, especially for new graduates. Maritime academies are churning out marine engineers and deck cadets, doing their jobs pretty well and making huge profits, irrespective of the market condition.

However, they can’t be blamed because one cannot shut the Institute for one year and then re-open it again whenever the need arises. Today, the need for deck cadets is less, tomorrow it can be more. So who is to blame? Probably the authority that gives them permission to open new institutes every month is at fault. However, the bottom line is until a balance is created between the demand and supply of seafarers, the scarcity of seafarer jobs will persist.

With the industrial boom in China starting from 2004, there was a huge increase in the number of ships and the freight rates were off the charts during that time! Shipping is a cyclical industry, the boom led to a bust and thereafter, ships without a viable business. Now, the demand for a senior officer is still there but as far as junior officers are concerned (including cadets), companies ask for experience without even considering that the experience will only come from employment! Expecting experience before the experience is just ridiculous!

2. Inability of the Governmental Authority to take Concrete Steps

Governmental authorities should take concrete steps to solve the issue of unemployment for fresh graduates. Or else, merchant navy would slowly lose its position as a prospective career option among students (the fact is it has already lost its lustre to a certain extent).

It is high time the government takes a stand to help the freshly graduated cadets and engineers for getting placed in decent companies. Until this is done, both agents and shipping companies will not miss a single opportunity to earn profits from maritime professionals. The government needs to intervene and help these professionals with a decent break.

Even with regard to the examinations, the Governments need to overhaul the system and make it more transparent with a practical approach towards testing the value a seafarer may bring to the industry and not just their “mugging up” capabilities.

Regulations regarding employment and the upkeep of standards of institutes and its students are a first to ensure that the cadets graduate with the right skill set and do not go on a ship without adequate knowledge. Institutes of the yesteryears have produced stalwarts in the industry who, even with the dynamic changes in the industry, are still at the forefront of any available employment demand.

3. Lack of References = No Job Offer

Shocking but true, the trend of getting jobs using references is still a hot favourite method of getting a decent job. There have been several cases wherein average students have got jobs in top shipping companies because they have father or uncle working there as chief engineer or captain; whereas bright students are still jobless because either they don’t have a family member in the industry or lack hundred of dollars to pay as a bribe.

Either way, an unjust and unfair condition is being created which is eventually making the present situation grimmer. Though people might shout slogans against corruption or even get themselves enrolled in a debate against the same, the fact is, when it comes to a personal level, the definition of immorality changes, drastically.

While the aspect of networking is necessary for any job, it should be the only way into gaining a cadetship. While the value of networking is immense in today’s environment, merit and quality must always trump “daddy’s contacts”. It is one thing for it to be taught as a soft skill and another when it is the only way in.

4. Shipping Companies Showing No Respect for Fresh Graduates

Let’s face the fact that a certain shipping company hires a fresh graduate with the sole intention and hope to retain him or her as a third officer or a fourth engineer once the necessary certifications are achieved. The companies don’t entertain newly graduates as respect to the degree or training they have. Don’t believe me? Visit a shipping company or a ship and see how the cadets and junior engineers are treated and you would get to know what I mean. We agree that they are fresh and naive, but they are future officers and captains. Give them their due respect.

The moral of the story is until the companies stop treating young professionals as “liabilities”, the loyalty will not have a place in the employer-employee relationship, leading to the reduction in retaining the power of the company. Give respect, and get respect in return.

Companies must understand that throughout their time at the educational institutes, they have been taught to behave and be trainee officers and have dreams about being the skipper on board one day. Demoralising them by treating them like dirt only kills their enthusiasm and their attitude towards their job. Needless to say, taking pride in their company and their job only breeds more loyalty and quality which must never be compromised. Even onboard, expecting cadets to work relentlessly with the agenda of “learning” while they are paid a small sum in comparison is not a good practice. Learning is obviously the most important aspect of cadetship but it should be executed in a way that is respectable to the human dignity.

5. Unwillingness/Inability to Enter a Different Market

Unlike other fields, wherein graduates have options to enter other industries and domains, a seafarer is left with no other choice than to stick with the same field. Merchant navy is a specialized field, where only two types of people are found – one who loves money and one who loves the sea. So once a person shells out hundreds of dollars for his maritime training, he or she is least interested to explore other fields wherein the starting salary wouldn’t be even half of that offered in merchant navy. Moreover, the glamour attached with the field is also something that holds back maritime professionals to explore other domains. Try talking to a dozen of Mariners; each one would talk about leaving the field, but I bet none would do so. Probably that’s why they say, “Once a mariner, always a mariner.” Moral of the story- there are several other opportunities as well. One needs to look beyond his or her mental block.

But this is just one side of the story. Most of the fresh maritime professionals won’t be able to land themselves with a decent job on land because the skilled they acquired are of no use on land. A marine engineer might be able to find a way, but a deck cadet will have a tough time making his way through the highly competitive market on land.

Granted, there are multitude of options when it comes to switching jobs with the help of GMAT and an MBA. However, why drive away individuals at all? Shipping the backbone of the world economy and the need to divert should be an option considered out of the desire for personal advancement rather than a effect due to a bad situation

6. Improper/Inadequate Training

This might come a bit blunt on the fresh cadets and engineers. But lately, there has been a huge lapse in the quality of cadets and engineers that maritime institutes are producing. Ask shipping companies, and they have a list of complaints about fresh graduates. Probably that is just an excuse on their part; probably it is true, but the fact is maritime institutes today are more interested in quantity than quality. They believe a certificate is all that one needs to run a ship at sea, irrespective of the kind of training and skills a Mariner has.

Though it’s true that experience is the best teacher, a fresh seafarer should have the basic skills to ensure his or her safety on the ship. Most of the fresh seamen are still “Alice in Wonderland” when on a ship, increasing shipping companies believe that they really are nothing but “liabilities”. But the cadets and engineers are not the only ones to blame. It’s the slack policies of institutes that are to blame. And until these institutes tighten the loose ends, the shipping companies will not show their trust in the fresh graduates.

The stark difference in officers now and the skill-sets they come with as compared to the older lot is evident. While institutes have fancy aspects of ACs and wifi and all of that, the basic essence of quality training is far more important, rather THE MOST important. Many institutes have cropped up with sub standard training facilities and teachers and continue to produce sub par cadets. It is not uncommon for cadets to face difficulty during oral examinations owing to the limited teaching imparted to them at their respective institutes.

7. Maritime Institutes Flaunting Fake Promises

How often have you seen maritime institutes flaunting one liner such as 100% placement Guaranteed? Always, right? And how often have you seen the same institutes going back on their words when they are not able to provide placements? Same – always! Like every field, institutes in the marine industry have also learned the ropes of the game to allure more students to their courses. They know how to attract students by giving fake promises or showing big starting salary figures, without debriefing them about their future career or life at sea. Every year more and more students are falling prey to this traps and finding themselves stuck in a catch22 situation. End Result: Dissatisfaction, depression, and of course – the great unemployment!

Deck cadets and junior engineers are the lifelines of the maritime industry. With the higher rank holders showing less of interest in the sea life and moving towards land jobs, these fresh graduates would have to be at the helm of the industry one day. It is high time the authority took some drastic steps to give these professionals their due respect and place in the maritime industry.

Institutes that provide”100% Placement” must be vetted for the same. Cadets must also remember that there is a HUGE difference between “100% Placement” and “100% Placement Assistance”. The latter is most likely riddled with no promises at all in fine print!

You may also like to read – Effects of Prolonged Unemployment on Deck Cadets

Disclaimer: The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used, in the article have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendation on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. 

About Author

Raunek Kantharia is a marine engineer turned maritime writer and entrepreneur. After a brief stint at the sea, he founded Marine Insight in 2010. Apart from managing Marine Insight, he also writes for a number of maritime magazines and websites.

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134 Comments

  1. This is the real situation what we are facing now. Every word is truely describes the current market condition. Seems that written by any experienced(in job searching,running in all the companies to beg for a job,)deck/or engine cadet who have not got a job yet,like me and like many other guys. The authority should do something seriously asap.

  2. their is one more hidden truth that non of the recruiter is going through yours resume and I can prove this.I have my resume on more than 118 job sits registered and I’m searching a job for more than 2years online.
    Thank you

  3. Y cnt dg shipping make it compulsory for companies to hv a engine cadet n deck cadet in each and every ship.

  4. as per my thinking d.g.shipping in india should stoped giving approvals to private collages…….and no.of seats every year should be decided as per demands to all institute…….

  5. yes this is absolutely true that now a days certificate has no value.everything is possible in this industry if you have any reference then you are welcome. And if you have no reference then you have to straggle yourself and wait for your luck.

  6. 99% training indian institutions put a rider no guarantee of jobs/cdc in decent merchant navy ships-as moves under-the-table cash ! mmd/dg shipping..ha ha;
    except capt.vivekanand’s institution is totally clean in Chennai;

  7. in 56 years, now retired in various companys,till GESCO was good as a dk.cadet-just 6/6 eyes and slogged 3 years as a cadet,then 2nd mate,chief officer & captain in 1983-shipping training industry is lax !the culprit is the ministers/DG Shipping by lost IAS officers who dont know their ass to elbow,hassling CDC boys roughly under-the-table 2lacs to a cadet job today,and as a fresh seaman 1lac-that is the rate or game o.k.

  8. if the humpty-dumpty oppence out then the pandora’s mess of freshers in indian shipping officer’s and crew-ask the Shipping Master & Principal officer & various union’s

  9. 1. make it mandatory for every ship to have engine/deck cadet….

    2. Dont give permission for new colleges.. limit strength to supply characteristics

    3. freshers will have to wait for more than a year if they dont have godfather…. so be patient….

    4. agents should be banned by shipping companies.

  10. Hello everyone I am writing from Romania. I am an student in the final year at ANMB (4 years programme) at Nautical Sience and Naval Engeneering Merchant Marine Faculty.The deck cadets situation here is like a nightmare there are few openings and we consider them as none because of the huge number of deck cadets coming from the only three registered institutions in Romania ANMB, UMC,and CNR. As I was telling you is nearly impossible to get on board an ship as an deck cadet because it doesn’t matter how good you are or if you have experience at sea. The main key of succes is having someone to give money to or have any relative on board a ship or working for the crewing agency.Engine cadets and electrician cadets have much more chances in geting any open position. I have 2 months as deck cadet on an research vessel tanker and ro-ro imo training courses but I can’t convince recruiters to select me regardless of the high test results or marks obtained during this 4 year period.

    Best regards,

    Vladislav

  11. Hope the woeful situation for Deck and Engine cadets changes in the coming months without much delay.At the same time the Government should direct the training institute to take less students than its full capacity till the crisis is over.

  12. i am also a deck cadet, and i had compleated my pre sea training. so wot can i do for get a job..
    please suggest me..

  13. sir, happy new year

    1st the matter of deck or engine cadets~after the *MMD 6/6 eyesight and no rickets or lung free/hernia total medical fitness and then *DG approved course’s done then, *the problem IS “surprice check” …which mean’s a *divali gift ….all are aware

    2nd CDC should be ready in a week – or kick the Shipping Master’s rear end

    3rd every shipping company must have compulsary 1 deck cadet and 2 engine cadets in a ship (reason is a better job LATER by technician/Ch.eng shore-jobs)

    4th Five years in the same company-or cancel their gratuity etc

    5th young masters are the “command con the ship owner & beck-n-calls”

    AS ideally shore master-mariner must have minimum age 40-45

  14. ps : as we as a cadet first year salary per month Rs.105,
    second year per month Rs.125,
    third year per month Rs.140,
    + decent food,plus 12 hour working scrapping our knees,chipping,painting,sextent,watch-keeping,PLUS washing captain’s laundry,etc
    BUT THAT IS OR “WAS THOSE DAYS …..We learned fast and right !

  15. Very dreadful condition for engine cadets & its not going to be better for next 2 years. This situation is a result of dgshipping decision of increasing age limit from 24 to 28 years. There is flooding of trainees in markets & jobs are few. Now many shipping companies recruiting officers who are chief engineers or captains are taking more than
    2.5 lacs from trainee cadets through agents. Dg shipping is not going to do anything in this regard, it is more concerned about money making from institutes. So boys better you be ready to pay some heavy money or have a top reference.

  16. Why don’t these cadets enquire about institute placement records at the time of admission. One cadet came to me to have some reference so I talked to my company’ manager about this entry level system, shockingly he told me every entry level wannabe seafarer has to pay some 2.5 lac ( 2 lacs cut to selection manager/captain & 50 thousands to some clerk & agent ). Also paying money through agent is not reliable So better then to face this situation, try to get enrolled in reputated college, Now Its all about supply demand ratio.

  17. it is good side. i am a marine engr. i have passed from marine fisheries academy,12. now i m searching a job as a marine engr.

  18. while joining in Pre-sea training course either it may be DNS,BSc(Nautical),BE(Marine),GME .You have to chose the right institue .whether the institute placed all the students onboard it play’s a significant role in determining cadets future life.Some of the institutes are started by the reputed ship mangement institutes in India.If the students join this college then they don’t worry about the placements.some of the institutes name are the following.

    1) Anglo Eastern Maritime Academy setup by Anglo Eastern Ship Management.
    2) Great Eastern Institute of Maritime Studies by Great Eastern Ship company.
    3) Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies by Executive Ship Management.
    4) Visvakarma Maritime Institute by Bernhard Schulte Ship Management.

    Please send this information to all students who are all aspiring to become Seafarers.

  19. BEING NARROW AREA OF SPECIALISATINS, BE DEGREE IN MARINE ENGINEERING, ONE AND TWO YEARS GME/DME/Bsc NAUTICAL SCIENCE HAVE NO SCOPE DUE TO RECESSION IN MERCHANT NAVY.

    BEWARE OF FALSE PLACEMENT RECORD CLAIMS FROM DGS APPROVED TRAINNG INSTITUTES, BEFORE SEEKING ADMISSIONS. THINK CAREFULLY BEFORE SPENDING YOUR FATHER’S HARD EARNED MONEY TO TAKE UP MARITIME EDUCATION.

    NEW ENTRANTS BETTER APPROACH SHIPPING COMPANIES FOR PRIOR SELECTION AND SPONSORSHIP BEFORE SEEKING ADMISSIONS IN TRAINING INSTITUTES

  20. sir,
    firstly i would like to say that
    wat u had said here is very rightly true.
    i m one of the cadet who is facing this pro-
    -blem .
    i think the best way to overcome
    this problem is
    1. close this DNS program.
    2. stop the unauthorized manning agents.
    then may be after some years the scene will be changed

  21. i finished my marine engineering 2 years back.still searching for a decent break.have submitted my resume in nearly 60 companies.can anyone tell me when this crisis is going to be over????

  22. this is the truth of future officers……….we r suffering, nobody intrested…..i hv done pre-sea but from seven months, roaming here and there for training……o god help us please

  23. Dg shiping should make certain rules that the cadets who r doing b.tech in marine should give first prefrance rather than graduate in mechanical.

  24. sir wat u hv said here s d real truth … nd m too facing the same prblm … hv dne pre sea training abt 8 months ago .. and still nt placed anywhr yet … as u said institution hd promisd 100 % placment wen v joind thr .. bt nw they dnt shwng any interest to plc us …

  25. hello

    Mr.Akhil can you tell from which institute u have graduated cas i m goin to join so that i can avoid that inst

  26. HI THIS IS VENKAT RATNAM DOING MY FINAL YEAR B.TECH IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING .
    I WOULD LIKE TO JOIN IN MERCHANT NAVY AS ENGINEER
    ALL PEOPLE ARE SAYING THEY ARE FACING THE PROBLEM IN SEARCHING OF JOB
    BEFORE JOINING THE PRE-SEA TRAINING IT WILL BE A BETTER OPTION AS A SPONSORED CANDIDATE FROM ANGLO EASTERN GROUP. CAN YOU PEOPLE SUGGEST ME IS THERE ANY OTHER REPUTED COMPANIES AVAILABLE IN INDIA.?
    IS THERE ARE PLEASE SUGGEST ME HOW TO SELECT FOR SPONSORSHIP BEFORE PRE-SEA TRAINING FROM SHIPPING COMPANIES FOR SURE.
    PLEASE HELP ME REGARDING THIS at cruizerin@gmail.com
    I AM WAITING FOR YOUR HELP. THANK YOU.

  27. I find many of the candidates mentioned abaove are correct. Most of the institutions verbally given 100% guarantee at the time of admission and after completion of the course they do not doing anything.

    My Son’s case is also like that. I heard that after completion of Marine Engg. course, candidate will get 100% placement and hence I appraoched Coimbatore Marine College, Coimbatore in 2007 for my Son’s admission for B.E. Marine Engg. I was convinced by Officer-incharge by showing previous year’s placement records there will be 100% placement after completion of course. Accordingly, I had taken admission for my Son though I was not able to meet such huge expenses.

    But now I regret to state that he has completed the course and so far no campus recruitment taken place. Funny thing is College is not replying to my E-mails. How can a parent can spend this much huge money trusting an institution.

    Everybody knows that most of the Shipping companies are not recruitng fresh candidates.

    Regards,

  28. THIS IS TRUE THAT MANY INSTITUTE ARE PROMISING 100%JOB GURANTEE BUT WNEN THE TIME FOR PLACEMENT COME THEY TAKE ONE STEP BACK.GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE STERN ACTION AGAINST THAT INSTITUTE WHO ARE MAKING FALSE PROMISES AND RUINING THE LIFE OF STUDENT.D.G.SHIPPING MUST LOOK AFTER THIS BURNING TOPIC AND THINK EACH STUDENT AS HIS OWN SON.

  29. Dear all, Good day..
    Above facts are very true and valid. Thinking on a wider horizon, apart from DG shipping giving licenses for various colleges and colleges minting money on educating cadets, please do also understand that no one has forced the cadets to join their institute.
    Prior joining, please do take note of current economic situation and job availability in shipping from someone in the field.
    In today’s economic scenario, with so called losses in shipping market, cost cutting and search for cheap labour market is a key to cut loss or show profitability. No one can force to employ cadets on all ship’s, even the DG – they can only recommend the same for Indian flagged vessel at the most..
    Suggestion would be:
    1. Cancel the licenses of colleges imparting sub standard level of education. Institutes promise 100% job guarantee, but when asked about same on completion of course, they inform that it is guaranteed, but will take long long time… Cancel the licenses of such institute.
    2. Stop giving licenses to new maritime colleges
    3, Educate people joining shipping courses on job availability, competition and scope of job.
    4. DG should make sponsorship for training mandatory to get admitted in maritime courses. This was there in the good old days presea courses. This should be there for the other diploma and degree courses as well.
    5. Today, the industry has changed a lot with multinational crew with a big language barrier. The cadets should be particularly strong in English and should be with a very good attitude towards work and cadet training / Respect to seniors. The recent feedback on Indian cadets is not particularly excellent, though this is only a few cases.

  30. It is very true. Such a very nice article. I believe it is very imperative to have this article republished in
    other publications or if we can email this link to many and forward it to as many readers as possible. The impact of this article is big and it might be a wake up call for those who are regulating the industry. Cheers!

  31. FEW OF MY FRIENDS ARE JOINING THE SHIP BY PAYING 3 LACS TO AGENTS IN MUMBAI, CHENNAI..I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN LOAN OF 3 LACS FOR MY PRE SEA..IF THESE AGENTS TAKE SO MUCH MONEY ILL BE TOTALLY RUINED..

  32. CAN ANYONE TELL ME HOW MUCH TIME WILL IT TAKE TO RESOLVE THIS CRISIS IN SHIPPING FIELD..

  33. As long as i know there is no such thing as high supply low demand ratio, many of my buddies have joined ships by either paying agents or through reference…. And my seniors are yet searching for jobs.

  34. D.G SHIPPING SHOULD STOP THE DNS COURSE AND LET THE CADETS COULD GET A TRAINING

  35. dear, i am going to get admission in Ges (Nautical deck cadet) . i am pursuing b.tech it final year 2012. i am paying fee 500000 rs to the “Omega maritime management service pvt. ltd.” . please tell me that this is the leagel to get entry for career in merchant navy………….

  36. Please Check the back ground before paying. Even if they promise 100 % placement, please don’t believe them as reputed colleges are not able to fulfill the placement promises due to job scarcity in the market

  37. Plz tell whoever joined this academy wheather there is 100% placement or not at anglo eastern kajrat

  38. hello,i am manoj choudhury ,i am going to join anglo eastern maritime academy on june 1st so i want to know that can there is 100% placement at there and also about the company profile so plse give it to me quickly ,if any body knows this pleaseeeeeeeee

  39. @ Manoj: This institute is operated by a ship management company, hence chances of placement are good but difficult to say 100% as looking at the job scenario now a days. Company is good.
    Wish you good luck.

  40. Can any one guide me for HND course Nautical Science… I’m planning for it.. please help me whether i should do it

  41. Anglo Eastern, Give IMU- Cet, And before that give the Anglo Eastern Test and clear everything.
    Clear the interview also, they may ask anything, I had my interview yesterday, and they asked me numerous number of questions which were – ” Why is sky blue ? ” , ” if you are walking and a sound is coming from behind, what kind of wave does it make ? ”
    They even asked – ” What are greenhouse effect ? ”
    Hopefully, I gave them everything right.

    just for your information.

    Because Anglo-Eastern have 100% Job Placement into their companies.

  42. what is future prospects of B. Tech (marine) from Indian Maritime University, Chennai campus? Please comment urgent.

  43. is international maritime academy,chennai gives placement there.Anyone answer to my question quickely….

  44. Hi guys,merchent shipping is totaly corrupted field in the world.as i read all the comments tat cadets are not geeting jobs but even GP Ratings also not getting jobs in industry.peoples are paying 3 lacks for GP Rating course and for placement they are paying again 3 lacks to agents in mumbai.this is the scenerio of industry……nothing is going to change becoz DG Shippping is not taking neccesary steps improve the job availability.even i am looking for job since last 2 years.fed up with this field…….i would like to say one thing GP RATINGS Also back bone of the industry…..so don’t talking about only cadets and engineers.GP Ratings also can be future officers of the industry.

  45. Dear Gentlemen

    The petition initiated through http://www.change.org is meant to reasonably and justifiably represent to the Govt. of India and the Directorate General of Shipping, for the future good of all new entrants and aspirants to join the Maritime Industry. You must understand that this initiative is not to starve the maritime educational activity but to refresh and purge out defective methods adopted blindly on traditional basis. The present maritime educational pattern in India needs an urgent radical transformation to meet with the global demands under stiff competition from other countries. This is quite evident from an outright and authentic “no nonsense impression” given out by one of the stalwarts of a ship management employing 30,000 Indian seafarers that Indian seafarers are losing their competitive edge against foreign nationals in the area of skills, integrity and cost.

    Today’s’ global economic situation has imposed drastic fall in the shipping trade resulting scarce job opportunity for junior nautical and engineers’ shipboard training. It is quite important at this juncture that Shipping Administration of Govt. of India, together with the senior practitioners of the Indian Shipping Industry must engage into serious discussions as how to revitalise the emergence of a new order to create quality trained manpower out of our country, with speed and caution.

    I think there are no two opinions between us that there is a serious dilution of quality everywhere from basic training ground to the operational levels on board ships, deplorably at a time when the evolution of state of the Art technologies employed in ships demand seafarers with sharp wits and high integrity.

    Govt. of India and our strong mature maritime community of practitioners certainly cannot ignore the fact that if we continue to remain passive, we will soon be overtaken by rest of the world to a point of no return.

    I wish to remind you that the petition to the Govt. of India is aimed at creating good training ships facility for all students or suspend courses till such time infrastructures are created for this. By your endorsement and signing the petition, you are certainly not in derogation against any authority. We all have our rights to express our opinions, pooling out at the end and arrive to create concrete proposals, then speedily implement.

    I DO NOT SEE WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE RESERVATIONS/APPREHENSIONS THAT YOU WILL FALL IN DISFAVOUR OF EITHER YOUR MANAGEMENTS OR GOVT DEPARTMENTS, FOR RIGHTFULLY EXPRESSING VIEWS AND SUGGESTING SOLUTIONS, WITHOUT ATTRIBUTING BLAMES ON ANY ONE.

    I sincerely expect that all my esteemed colleagues of the Indian maritime community will now come forward to sign the petition placed in http://www.change.org, which is made without prejudice. You are welcome to give any constructive suggestions, while you sign the petition on line.

    Please visit and sign the petition TODAY.

    https://becauseiamyou.blogspot.in/2012_06_01_archive.html

    S.Govindarajan
    Mob: 9444511819

  46. I DONT KNOW PEOPLE LIKE ME WILL GET THE JOB .UNEMPLOYEMENT DSNT MATTERS THE THING WHICH MATTERS IS THE WASTE OF TIME .I HAVE LOST MY 2 YEARS .BUT THEN EVEN THOUGH GIVE YOUR BEST .DONT LOSE YOU CONFIDENCE FREINDS ONE DAY EVERYONE WILL BE ONBOARD WITH A JOB .JUST DONT LET YOUR SPIRIT GO DOWN .KEEP IT UP AND CHANGE THE SYSTEM .

  47. Well said mate.. This is the real time problem WE the Mariners are facing.. Especially the freshers.. Hope DGS understands the situation and acts accordingly..

  48. How many times is the eyesight checked …. is it only once at the point of cadet or for every time?

  49. Dear Sanaul,

    Normally, it is done during the time of admission, once between your training period and every time before joining the ship.

  50. Sir,please tell me how I will get a job in ships with base of 12th sci. Because my financial condition is very bad,pls tell which small courses I can done to reach towards shiping jobs.

  51. I have completed G.P..rating course from one institute in Chennai.For last one year he does not have job.Some agencies are claiming that on paying INR 2.5L ,I shall get the job . Then after completing one sailing may be period of 6-9 month I will get the watchkeepers certificate. And then further job I will get the job on that basis. Please let me know what are chances of getting further contract without paying commission. Is advisable to pay INR 2.5L for getting first job.

  52. Hello Sir
    I am Planning to do my GME from sims. Reading the above comments i am bit confused now. can u help me? which institution gives atleast 90% placements? i already got a job in accenture. i was planning to drop that job n do my GME. do u think its a good idea?

  53. Plz don’t join this profession especially mechanical engineers. .instead join any private company and study hard for psu and govt exams.i left this profession last year after 5th engr and instead of wasting my time at mmd mumbai studied for psu exams and got selected in oil india ltd as assistant executive engg. Today i am doing a respectible job and i am proud to say i took right decision

  54. Aftr completing sea time of 36 mnths done my functions for 2ndmate fg frm mumbai and got coc in nov’2012.have been sailed on all type of tankers …I.e. product, chemical, crude, oil and lpg…..

    Since thn have been to almost evry company in mumbai…..evn cleared interviews and computer based exams conducted by various companies…..but at the last….they hav one common…..
    Answer …..sorry u r frm rating backround and currently v r not taking guys frm rating backround.

    Frm last 1 yr I m hunting for job as a third mate and wht they offer me is to join as an A.B , and dont ask about promotion……

    Now it seems to b like one of the biggest mistake of my life ….tht i have 2ndmate fg coc

    Whn this all is going to b over….100 and 100’s of guys like me ll’get job……?????????

    Plz

  55. hi frds,i finished bsc nautical science,i paid my fees through bank loan.now i am not getting job.i am frusstrated being in my home.what the hell life is???????

  56. Never think of joining merchant navy, the number of candidates who are being/going to be jobless per year is at the toplevel. there are a number of merchant navy training institutes in our country which has been aproved by DG shipping, but one think i need to know is what is the meaning of these aprovals, every candidate join the couse by looking this approval status, many of them like me, been jobless for two years, including the time period of doing dns(imu) 3 years, joined the course with a lot of dreams, but now fed up with the situation, I lost my 3years and arround 4lakhs by this ****, some pf my friends started going for job with daily wages, let me ask those who are elected on top of our head, why this cruelty to the youngsters, what is the need of running courses like DNS, to all my brothers and sisters who have fallen into this trap, dont be tensed, whatever we losed is lost, now focus on ur life, choose an apppropriate career other than merchant navy, u can do distance digrees from various universities while u cam work, or any thing like that, and dear friends let us join our hands and guide the maximum aspirants to not to join marine colleges which are not sponsered.

  57. It is highly regretting to know all the facts about scope of Bsc Nautical Science in India, My son spent 3 years in college spending lot of money followed by he gave lot of many to the promising agents expecting his dream to come true!

    He would have studied MBBS in the last 5 years in private college on payment seat!

    Now he is blind what to do next ! There are lakhs of Deck/Engine cadets are roaming in India without knowing what to do?

    Never lose hope, change your field , use your talent and learn to earn, Never think life is only in ship!

  58. agents thrive because shipping companies give them an opportunity as the company officials themselves get commission from agents.

  59. Dg shipping , i have to say this only. stop the Dns function immediately. increase the Gp rating period into one year.

  60. I did dns from IMU.I scored 74% aggregate in both the semesters.But I am not getting atleast a chance of interview.Please recomend me some companies ,which can give me a chance.

  61. I need a good collge in mumbai which can give placement me in a decent company.Just completed my HSC with PCMB.And if this doesnt work then plz suggest me some othr way of getting into it

  62. Dear Anand,

    Since the Job market is in a crunch, we will not be able to provide exact details of the colleges. We will suggest to opt for those colleges who can provide sponsored seat for initial training (Some ship management companies have their maritime college which provides initial training to sponsored candidate in self managed ships- Anglo eastern, Univan etc.)
    There is no OTHER WAY.

  63. My self joined shipping in 1998 now sailing as chief engineer, to all cadets and trainee engineers , my experience is word recession has been there in shipping from ages, and is still being used to extort money from trainees,those who hav completed training must hav patience, and be ready to work for lower wages and clear exams as fast as possible , because there is shortage at higher ranks. also government must force all shipping companies to hire at least 5 trainees each for minimum wages to give them sea time.future of shipping in india is good with present government giving boost to coastal shipping , be positive minded, join some workshop , forget about earning concentrate on learning, money will follow u…..

  64. sir i had completed my b.tech in mechanical engg. and i had cleared exam of anglo eastern and they are sending me at IMS goa for GME . so i want to know is it good to do GME at IMS GOA .

  65. @ Kapil

    It’s DG shipping approved institute. Do check the placement record for last two years to get a clear picture.

  66. sir I am confused …Is there any placement in imu chennai for btech ? and what about imu vishakapatnam ?? ? please reply !

  67. I sat for IMU CET 2014 and secured AIR 57. I am not sure but do hope that I will get admission in MERI Kolkata.

    So,sir, do you have any opinions on the institute ?

    Would help to choose me wisely.

    Thanks.

  68. THESE THINGS ARE TRUE AND THERE ARE SOME MORE THING IN MARINE ENGINEERS FRESHERS LIFE TOO…….

    1.. EDUCATION LOAN REPAYMENT TORCHES FORM THE BANKS .INSULTING BADLY IN FRONT OF PUBLIC BY SCOLDING AS A FRAUD BORROWER(BEGGAR) BY POSTING PHOTOS IN BANK .

    IF WE HAVE WE CAN PAY BUT ,WE ALREADY PAID OUR ALMOST ASSETS TO THE FRAUD INSTITUTIONS.

    2. TREATING AS USELESS IN SOCIETY AND FINALLY IN HOME TOO DUE TO THEIR FRAU STATION ON US.

    3 FINDING JOBS IN LOCAL COMPANIES ..
    THEIR REPLY . “”YOU HAD COMPLETED BE MARINE THERE IS NO JOB FOR YOUR STUDIES”‘
    THEIR ARE NOT BELIEVING TOO GIVE JOB BECAUSE THEY THINK ”WE SAIL IF THE CORRECT JOB COMES .” SO NO JOB SECURITY

  69. Is it possible for a b.tech(marine) to undergo graduate in marine course(GME), coz they have good opportunities that direct graduates in marine

  70. Sir,I have taken admission in Tolani Maritime Institute,Pune inB.S. Nautical Science .Please tell me should i continue or change my course to B.S.Marine Engineering.. PLEASE TELL ME..ITS VERY URGENT…….

  71. a/c to meri kolkata placement report

    total cadets:227
    total eligible cadets:132
    Does this mean that 105 cadets get failed ?
    please clarify .
    if this is true than how come that much number of cadets get failed.

  72. Will i get placed after completing E.T.O. Course, i am electrical n electronics engineer.

  73. I have passed imu cet and after counselling i got cv raman college of engineerig for b tech marine. Can i join it ir not…?

  74. sir,i got bsc nautical science in T.S chanakya through my IMUCET2014 rank.
    please tell me sir,the problems stated above are same for this campus too????
    the placement record for this college is good or not??
    plz tell me sir,as i am confused for admission.

  75. Sir, I am an mechanical engg & going for gme course from GRSE kolkata. So can you please tell me what will be the job opportunity for me??

  76. Sir, I’m B.E graduate in Electrical Engineering. I’m thinking to join ETO course from Great eastern, lonavla.
    After reading above comments I want to know about the future scope of ETO.
    Plz reply on this n also regarding onln test papers & interview Ques.
    Thank you

  77. @ Shriyanchalmani:
    – “future scope of ETO.”: Cannot be predicted as current job market is not at its best. With ETO need to go through exams and acquire COC to get onboard, it is sure ETO on ship will be continuing as an important position.

  78. I want to do DNS course . Is INTERNATIONAL MARITIME INSTITUTE , DELHI is good for doing this course. Will get good placement ?

  79. sir,i m going to join IMS goa for 2year pre sea DME course….plzz guide me is this institute is good??what is the placement records of this institute?? its urgent..

  80. sir. I would like to know the current scenario for joining eto course in india.reputed
    institutes offering the course and job opportunities.. thanks in advance

  81. i spend lot of time reading each & every questions and answers which is mention above by experts / candidates thnks for giving your views but now i am very confused because i really want to join merchant navy as a deck cadet .i did my graduation in B.B.A n having few knowledge about computer . can i joint merchant navy i also visited few agency n college they are saying yes of course you can join and they also saying they will provide 100% placement and all . what shoud i do please suggest me i am going to join it thats why i need good suggestion .

    N yes can i get job in cruise ships after completing my course of deck cadet .

  82. @ Ayush:

    100% placement?? Please do check their past placement record for this claim. Join those institute which provide sponsorship- AESM, UNIVAN etc.

    Normally, you will be placed in a cargo ship. but after getting into a operational level position, you can always switch to cruise ships .

  83. I am facing problem of unemployment from 3 years, after completing my pare-sea training i was trying to get a job in shipping company but i was unable to get a job some time i try to get a help of agent but he cheat me steal my money now i m helpless …

  84. Thanks sir
    For giving us such a proper information.
    I am mr prasad aher MEO class IV officer. Unfortunately I haven’t got any job yet.and I lost 300000 rs from fraud agent’s. Sir can you please tell me the simplest way to join the ship. Bcoz many of the companies required bloody experience person. So where we gone sir?
    Please tell me sir. its being headache for my whole family that fraud agents will increasing day by day. And how we indintify them?

  85. just few ” clean shipping cadet/engine’s are ” rest is a band of shore bandit’s fool the freshers using 2~3 + lacs…In our time’s 0.50rupees as a CDC ! then use 3 years work in shipping actual hard ?
    then 3rd/2nd/Chief Officer’s then as Captain as your performency, all other are hand-in glove the dg/mmd/etc O.K
    similar to engineers;

    best regards / you sad boy’s

  86. totally free: advise,certain genuine shipping companie’s, in Bombay and Madras;

    best regards/capt.s.chagla [master-mariner,unlimited]

  87. I Am a 3rd officer .I would like to know that whether there is any m.e in nautical science course is there in India or not…I mean I want to persur masters in nautical science since I am b.sc nautical science graduate fromAMET chennai..and what are the future career prospects for the same

  88. I am planning for bsc nautical science…is the anglo eastern maritime university the much better one…?any idea about some other nice institutes..? Help me pls…

  89. I have cleared my IMU CET 2015 Aug Batch with a good rank and also got company sponsorship for DNS.
    After DNS and 18 month training on Ship and passing 2nd Mate will I get the Job?The company that is givnig me sponsorship will absorb me on their ship as 3rd officer?
    I do not know much about merchant navy. After seeing this page I am afraid. Please guide me should I move ahead with DNS or think of some other carreer.

  90. Hi I am a second year b.tech in marine engineering cadet, i study in itme kolkata a private institute it has now tied up with a company called wallem ship management, i will pass out on 2017. Is there any hope for me to get a job then? I don’t have any reference or any chance of paying heavy money to agent. Please someone answer. I am very scared about my future….

  91. Every word is true. … This whole system is corrupt. … Well wats new. … This is all Crap. …. find decent agents thts all one can do

  92. Pls am a young engine cadet am looking for a good shipping company for my sea terms any one relevant info should pls contanct me on 2347065302485

  93. Hi sir I finished deck cadet course with Belize CDC. Is it has valuable career in future any one guide me pls

  94. Sir, I have a discipline of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. I would like to join a ETO course in RL Institute of Technology,Madurai. After reading above comments I want to know about the future scope of ETO. And also recommendations are valuable??? My daddy’s friend is working in Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) as a chief Engineer. He give a assurance that after my ETO course completion, he will recommends in that company. If i have a recommended person, job opportunities are well for me ?
    Please reply me!!
    I have waiting for your valuable reply!!!
    Thank you

    Kind Regard
    Luluwa J

  95. Sir how it will be pursue GME from Samundra lonavala please tell me about about their placement and kind of job offered by them

  96. An article of Shaunek sir is published in 2011. So I want to know that is the situation of less jobs is changed or not?

  97. may anybody tell me what is the situation of job market of trainee marine engineer and deck cadet???

  98. Hello sir
    i had cleared the interview and going to join great eastern for Gme they had given me the sponsorship letter also,are placement good and if so then what are the rumours of waiting…. need a good advice from all..plssss

  99. i have completed my btech from mechanical and now i an thinking to do gme .
    should i have to do?
    which is the best college for doing gme?
    and is this right carrer for me??
    can anyone tell me

  100. I got trapped from an online job offer and we lost 10,0000/ RS , i understand many students lot their money

    Beware of such fraud, request you to kindly give a helping hand in tracking or blocking this . so that other can be saved from this.

    you may get similar job offer like this

    we received the email from this email id and deposited amount on below account

    CONTACT PERSON —
    CREW MANAGER
    VISHAL SRIVASTVA
    NEHA SINGH (HR CONSULTANT)
    +91- 8860418984 (CREW MANAGER)
    MAKE CALL BETWEEN (11 a.m to 6 p.m) office timings

    apt. VIVEK KUMAR bank account details
    ICICI BANK

    Name:- VIVEK KUMAR
    Account number:- 235801502456
    ifsc code:- ICIC0002358
    BRANCH:- SAINIK COLONY

    crew@emeraldshippingindia.in

    crew@

    emeraldshippingindia.in

    emeraldshippingindia

  101. hellow everyone,
    this discusson page is so long and one two capt suggest us, but NOBODY RECOMEND GOOD INSTITUTE FOR PLACEMENT, just said ship management company can be give place.
    please this conversation from 2011,, now its 2015(dec), please provide good institute address,
    i choose HIMT for bsc in natural science.

  102. Sir
    Someone please guide me.
    My son aged 22 did his HND (NAUTICAL SCIENCE )from A met Chennai and second year from Glasgow University UK in june 2015.He got his Indian CDC in Feb 2016 he needs 15 months on board training on foreign flagged vessels.We are unable to get the same No company is recruiting fresh cadets.Agents are ready to help but after going through all the comments on this blog we have stepped back.Please suggest me should I make him wait for opportunities to come in this field or without wasting time switch him to some other field.
    Please revert or if can help contact
    9427054496. Mother of (Shadab Khan) HND Nautical Cadet.

  103. anyone know about Bp shipping singapore? are they hireing deck cadets? an agent promised to get job there stil hes nt able to do so..

  104. The students having problems.., most of them am sure are only applying for the standard tanker or may be bulk or containers type ships.. how about passenger ships, DP vessel or working on a dregger..Or any other specialized ships am sure their is some scope in those fields..Yeah they might not be paying as good ., But it’s better than being jobless.
    All the best

  105. hi to all ,
    i gave money to a Rpsl chennai based company 2 months before still they ask me wait i asked for the reason to them they replied we cant get approval from the pert authority of joining port in indonesia like tat i dont know wat to do plz suggest me i can belive them or otherwise i will try to get back money from them plz reply soon i wasted 3 yrs

  106. Hi, i am sid i have completed my entrance for merchant navy engine rating for Global Maritime Studies and they are calling me for training.Plzz sugest me should if i have to join or not.I am totally confused with this.So plz sugest me quickkk……

  107. Can I join GME in marine field holding mechatronics degree through a consultancy named TRADE OCEAN CARGO AND LOGISTICS PVT LTD.

  108. I would like to thank you for this publication. Although it is long-standing, it is still valid.
    I come from Côte d’Ivoire, a country in West Africa, and my observation is that the issue of embarking the cadets is an international problem.
    For my part, it is up to the IMO and the States to become aware of this problem.
    So I would like to ask a question if someone can answer me that would do me a lot of good.
    How to recognize a real investment structure?

    Why to embark today it is about CDC or COC?
    The COC and the CDC are beyond STCW?
    Already it is rare to find an embarkation these stories of restrictions by speaking of CDC or COC still amplify the problem of embarkation.
    A Certificate even made on the planet Jupiter does not necessarily justify the competence of the seaman.

    As a cadet give us the chance to express our talents because no one knows beyond what he has learned.

  109. I don’t know what’s going on but all I can say is that some of the institute like Samundra, Anglo Eastern, The great Eastern, International maritime and ARI Delhi are good as far as training and placement of Freshers are concerned. Thanks.

  110. Sir I have completed non dg marine engineering n now jobless. No colleges r taking non dg students for gme so please suggest me what I can do further for my career.. I am planning for DNS or GME, please suggest me something

  111. never look for ‘illegal cadet job’ only genuine company’s approved:
    normal cost 6 month training GESCO Etc, nautical approved,…..rest 98% are fake company’;

  112. My Name Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Abazaid , My age 33 Year and From Egypt (Suez).

    I m 2nd officer + Bachelor of marine navigation very good grade And I have all the required marine certificates + certificates of (GMDSS, GOC) . 00201008687089

    Trained in Arab Academy for Science Technology and Maritime Transport on Aida 4 ship. I spent a naval exercise directed at the Aida 4 as cadet
    From : 15 /02 /2006 To : 28/02/ 2007 .

    I worked 10 Months As 2nd officer At “MV. SEA GULL D” BULK CARRIER ESP,
    D.WEIGHT 18720 MT
    In period From : 20/03/2011 To:04/01/2012
    worked 9 months As 2nd officer At “MV.PELASHCO 1” RORO SHIP , D.WEIGHT 11326 MT
    In Period From : 14/01/2012 To: 26/10/2012,
    And workrd Ships Movement Officer At Alexandria Port Authority In period
    From : 12/12/2012 Untill now.

    I looking for job ,I hope and honored to work with you………Thanks a lot.

  113. Some companies say we don’t recruit TME and agent say huge amount.. that we can’t pay no jobs for freshers… they need experience only without giving job to a fresher how. Can he get experience… seriously this line is full of struggles.. I have put a lot of money … but still I can’t find a job

  114. That is the harsh reality. Many candidates who have passed their Class IV COC exams are also struggling from last one year. The only advice one can give is – don’t loose hope and keep trying. Use Linkedin, Google Alert etc. to do a smart job search

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